Resilience Amidst Trauma: Israel's Kibbutzim Return to Life After Devastating Hamas Attack

In the aftermath of a devastating attack by Hamas terrorists that claimed hundreds of lives and displaced thousands from their homes, Israel's kibbutzim, agricultural cooperative settlements near the Gaza Strip, are courageously rebuilding their lives and communities.

On October 7, 2023, Hamas terrorists launched a surprise offensive on Israel, targeting kibbutzim and other communities near the Gaza Strip. The attack left 1,200 people dead, including 319 kibbutz members, and destroyed hundreds of homes.

Resilience Amidst Trauma: Israel's Kibbutzim Return to Life After Devastating Hamas Attack

In the wake of the tragedy, 15,000 people were evacuated from 21 kibbutzim in southern Israel. Remarkably, about 70% have since returned home, despite the ongoing war and the devastating impact of the attack.

Kibbutz Nir Am, one of the communities hit hardest by the attack, has been a symbol of resilience and determination. Inbal Liberman, the community's security coordinator, displayed remarkable courage on October 7 by distributing arms to the rapid response team and sending them to various locations along the kibbutz fence, preventing a massacre.

Resilience Amidst Trauma: Israel's Kibbutzim Return to Life After Devastating Hamas Attack

"It's fair to say this year, we live in that one percent," said Ofer Liberman, spokesperson for Kibbutz Nir Am, reflecting on the harsh reality faced by his community.

Kibbutz Nahal Oz, a small community of 450, lost 15 members and had 8 kidnapped in the attack. Despite the trauma, 20 members have returned to the kibbutz, while 330 remain in temporary housing in northern Israel.

Resilience Amidst Trauma: Israel's Kibbutzim Return to Life After Devastating Hamas Attack

"Being together as one community in this temporary housing has been significant," said Amir Tibon, a resident of Nahal Oz. "Our children still go to school and kindergarten together, which makes a big difference."

Tibon's father, retired IDF Major General Noam Tibon, rescued his son, daughter-in-law, and granddaughters from Nahal Oz on October 7, after battling a Hamas terrorist.

Resilience Amidst Trauma: Israel's Kibbutzim Return to Life After Devastating Hamas Attack

The attack also targeted Kibbutz Be'eri, where 98 people were murdered and 30 kidnapped; Kibbutz Kfar Aza, where 64 people were massacred and 19 taken hostage; and Kibbutz Gvulot, where the regional school was improvised from structures that existed prior to October 7.

Despite the challenges, kibbutzim are focusing on resilience and rebuilding their communities. "We need to preserve our country," said Liberman. "We, the Jewish people, are unwelcome anywhere in the world. So, we have no choice but to remain in our state."

Resilience Amidst Trauma: Israel's Kibbutzim Return to Life After Devastating Hamas Attack

Ayelet Harris, head of the community division in the Kibbutz Movement, believes that the kibbutzim's emphasis on community and shared labor is more important now than ever. "The kibbutzim's key role in the history of Israel, in creating and protecting the borders of Israel, remains crucial," she said.

While the kibbutzim are rebuilding their physical structures, they are also grappling with the emotional trauma of the attack. "The issue is about the sense of security that the government and IDF must provide, and overcoming the psychological barriers of returning to a place where such horrors occurred," said Tibon.

Resilience Amidst Trauma: Israel's Kibbutzim Return to Life After Devastating Hamas Attack

As the kibbutzim continue to recover from the devastation, they are also calling for an end to the violence and the release of their hostages. "We still have two friends, Omri and Zachi, in the hands of the enemy," said Tibon. "This is where I will raise my daughters. I believe I can do that, but I don't know if I can pass by the homes of these two friends and know they were left to die in the tunnels of Gaza."

Despite the pain and uncertainty, the kibbutzim are determined to move forward and build a better future for their members. "This is the future. It gives us hope for what lies ahead," said Lior Dafner, chairman of Kibbutz Gvulot.

Resilience Amidst Trauma: Israel's Kibbutzim Return to Life After Devastating Hamas Attack